Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Cache Gear at 10,200’

June 1, 2018

Posted by: Tyler Jones

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 9,600'

Friday, June 1, 2018 - 4:58 PM PT Today we awoke to a clear and cold morning in camp and after breakfast we began the hour long climb up Ski Hill. Taking advantage of the brisk temperature, it allowed us to stay cool and good snow conditions had us walking in just our boots. Walking without snowshoes let us set a good pace to our cache site at 10,200 ft. At the cache, we left some group meals, extra personal food and gas that we don’t need for a few days. After burying our gear, we descended back to camp in bluebird skies, sun and incredible views of the Lower Kahiltna glacier. Soon enough however, the heat of the sun had us retreating back down to camp and into our tents for some rest and relaxation after a hard morning. The menu for tonight calls for some quesadillas, which is most often a favorite meal on the mountain! If the weather holds true tomorrow, we hope to make the ascent again tomorrow and move our camp to 11,200'. RMI Guide Tyler Jones

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Team Jones,
It’s exciting to read your blog everyday. Thanks for sharing this advantageous journey with us. Best luck to you guys! Luv you, Lei. Hao

Posted by: Hao on 6/2/2018 at 7:50 am

Good morning Nick and team! Love following along on this adventure. The pictures are beautiful. Praying for great weather and safe travels for all of you! Coeli (Nick’s Mom) XO

Posted by: Coeli Scott on 6/2/2018 at 6:13 am

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Make Move to 14,000’ Camp

June 1, 2018

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Jess Matthews, Taylor Bickford

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Friday, June 1, 2018 - 12:00 AM PT Basically today could be summed up as everything went exactly as planned. It was incredibly calm this morning with a thin cloud hanging across the Polo Field, that suggested things would get warm. We rocked out of camp, and just kept rolling until we walked into 14,000' Camp around 5.30 to see our friends on Mike Walter's team. We set up camp nearby, a compound of sorts, and now we're diving into sleeping bags, hurried there by the chill air of 14,000' and the sudden departure of the sun behind a ridge. Tomorrow we plan to rest. RMI Guides Pete, Jess, Taylor, and team

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Happy Birthday Henry Huntington! You make it harder and harder for me to wish you a happy birthday, but as you learned long ago, I will track you to the ends of the Earth (and pay $6.00/min—which is $15.75 today) just to wish you a happy birthday! (OK, it was yesterday - but there is the surprise!)—Michael

Posted by: Michael Goldstein on 6/3/2018 at 6:31 pm

Happy birthday Henry. Best wishes for a smooth climb.

Posted by: Matthew burek on 6/2/2018 at 12:26 pm

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Denali Expedition: Hailes & Team Make a Carry to 13,500’

May 31, 2018

Posted by: Walter Hailes, JM Gorum

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

May 31, 2018 - 7:26 pm PT Another beautiful day on Denali, which we started by singing happy birthday to Chip and we finished by making a no bake birthday cheesecake (we can only do so much at 11,200ft). Along with the birthday festivities, we are really enjoying this stretch of nice days as we move higher on the mountain. Today as we carried a big load of supplies to our cache spot at 13,500ft, we all felt the previous four days of hard work. Everyone climbed in good style but it was clear that it is time for a rest day, tomorrow we sleep in, hang out at camp and catch up on our reading and movies. Best wishes from Denali, RMI Guide Walter Hailes

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Happy belated Birthday Chip! Looks like an amazing adventure. Go team!
Stay safe. xoxo Leslie

Posted by: Leslie on 6/1/2018 at 5:38 pm

Tyler, great climbing buddy, be safe. Will need to hear details when you get back.

Eddie

Posted by: Eddie Tumminia on 6/1/2018 at 5:23 pm

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Base Camp to 7,800’ Camp

May 31, 2018

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,800'

May 31, 2018 - 5:28 pm PT Less than twelve hours after arriving at Kahiltna Base Camp, we woke early, ready for the first leg of our ascent. After quickly breaking down camp and eating an even quicker breakfast, we loaded the last of our gear into our already over burdened expedition sleds and began the walk down heart break hill towards the vastness of the Kahiltna Glacier. The morning was cold and crisp. Perfect conditions for the route to our camp at 7,800 feet. Snowshoes would not be necessary today as the snow was firm and smooth. The skies were clear with only minimal clouds capping the summit of Mount Foraker to the west and a bit of haze blocking our view of Denali to the north. Our group of hopeful climbers looked like a freight train as our three rope teams chugged along with our sleds in tow towards our objective for the day, moving one step closer to the slopes of the West Buttress. After several hours of hard walking, we arrived in camp at the base of Ski Hill and set up our temporary homes for the next few days. Today was easy compared to what lies ahead, but our group of climbers looks strong and ready for the challenge. RMI Guide Tyler Jones

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Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Sit Tight at 14,000’ Camp

May 31, 2018

Posted by: Mike Walter, Robby Young, Alan Davis

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,000'

Thursday, May 31, 2018 - 1:11 PM PT We woke early this morning and fired up the stoves, intent on moving to high camp today. But as the morning progressed, lenticular clouds formed over the Alaska Range, clouds increased, and we could see winds coming off of the West Buttress above us . With a good weather forecast into next week, we decided that we'd sit this one out and try again tomorrow. We're sitting in great shape and lined up for the upcoming goo weather window. And spending another night at 14,000' Camp will make our team stronger for our bid up high. Hopefully our next dispatch will come from High Camp tomorrow. RMI Guide Mike Walter

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Dave and Shane…So close!!!!!! I know you guys will Summit.!!! I hope everyone is well. We are preying for good weather and an easy climb back down!!! It looks beautiful. Thanks for the updates. Those of us at home love hearing the news. Travel safe. Love ya bunches. Mom and Ken

Posted by: Dean Peterson on 6/2/2018 at 9:57 am

You guys got this! Stay safe! We can’t wait to hear about your summit! We know you’re going to make it! We love you Alex and Tom!

Posted by: Casey & Nick on 6/2/2018 at 7:52 am

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Take Full Rest Day at 11,000’ Camp

May 31, 2018

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Jess Matthews, Taylor Bickford

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - 10:53 PM PT After yesterday's big effort, it took some snow and evidence of wind at Windy Corner to decide to take a full chill day at our 11,000' Camp today. Food, movies, books, and naps filled the time, and left little room for anything else. We are feeling good about a move to 14,000 ft Camp tomorrow, and after today, everyone is excited for a change in scenery. RMI Guides Pete, Jess, Taylor, and team

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Rich aka dad,

You’re almost there! Keep it up. Been enjoying watching the blog and your climb. Love you and can’t wait to hear all about it!!

Posted by: Eleni Lewis on 6/5/2018 at 6:13 am

Way to go Rich and team-have a good rest and safe ascent!

Posted by: Keith Salzman on 6/1/2018 at 4:53 pm

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Denali Expedition: Hailes & Team Move to 11,000 ft Camp

May 31, 2018

Posted by: Walter Hailes, JM Gorum

Categories: Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - 10:19 PM PT We awoke to falling snow and a whiteout this morning. Luckily, the temperatures were cold enough that everything stayed dry, and we were able to pack up camp and move uphill to 11,000' Camp. We walked through the clouds with near zero visibility until we got above the weather, and pulled into camp around 1 PM. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and snacking. We're enjoying our new home, and the sunshine that has come with it. The team is feeling great. Everyone sends their best. RMI Guide Walter Hailes

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Awesome job everyone! Keep it up! Happy Bday Chip!!!

All the best - David O.

Posted by: David Ohm on 6/1/2018 at 6:39 am

Happy 29th Birthday CHIP!

Susie, Charlie, Lauren, Max and Donner

Posted by: Susie Lindstrom on 5/31/2018 at 7:06 pm

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Land on the Kahiltna Glacier

May 31, 2018

Posted by: Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika, Nick Scott

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,300'

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - 11:40 PM PT Today we got a nice breakfast in town and headed over to the hanger for a final bit of packing. The weather turned out to be a bit fickle so we started some training to pass the time and our fingers were crossed for improving weather. We went to our lunch break and just when the rain started in town the mountains opened and we got the word we would try to fly on the glacier. We’re finally here at Base Camp and will make our first move early in the morning toward 7,800 camp at the base of Ski Hill. We enjoyed our first dinner as the skies were clearing and caught a glimpse of Denali in the distance! RMI Guides Tyler Jones, Bryan Mazaika and Nick Scott

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Thank you for all of the updates. We are praying for good weather and for your safety on this incredible adventure! Love you Tyler, mom and dad

Posted by: donna shearburn on 6/1/2018 at 6:33 am

Glad you guys made it to base camp Shawn! It looks beautiful up there. I will be checking in daily. Mom and I miss you already! Take care, we love you! Kam

Posted by: Kam on 5/31/2018 at 2:05 pm

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Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Enjoy a Rest Day at 14K Camp

May 30, 2018

Posted by: Mike Walter, Robby Young, Alan Davis

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 14,200'

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 - 1:50 pm PT Our team is taking another planned rest day today, the first multiple rest day stint of our trip. The weather at 14,200' right now is chilly with very light snow. This unsettled weather is forecasted to last into tomorrow before clearer weather moves in through the weekend. We are hopeful the weather will allow us to move to high camp tomorrow so that we can take advantage of a potentially good weather window (Fri/Sat/Sun) for a summit attempt. We're all doing well, and optimistic that our chance to tag the top is right around the corner. Until then, we'll be resting and getting stronger. RMI Guide Mike Walter

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Dave and Shane….. you guys are so close now. Great progress and great weather is seems.

May the Sun shine for you each day and the winds blow gentle.

Love,

Dad

Posted by: George Head on 5/31/2018 at 11:59 am

Dave and Shane…wow…almost there. I can’t believe you are almost at the summit. We can’t wait to hear ALL about this adventure. We hope you are all feeling well. Miss you to pieces. Have a great day!! Love, Mom and Ken

Posted by: Dean and Ken on 5/31/2018 at 7:01 am

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Cache Gear at 14,000’ Camp

May 30, 2018

Posted by: Pete Van Deventer, Jess Matthews, Taylor Bickford

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 11,200'

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 - 11:38 PM PT It was another pretty perfect morning on Denali, so we made hay. We started off a bit earlier with a smoked salmon and bagel breakfast, then loaded up most of our food and fuel, strapped on crampons for the first time, and started up Motorcycle Hill. The was a slight breeze to keep things cool, and a few moments of windy corner were cold enough to elicit brain freeze, but everything went incredibly smoothly. So smoothly that we decided to keep going all the way to Mike Walter and team's Camp at 14. They were nice enough to let us stash our load in their camp and keep an eye on it. We spent an hour visiting with friends and enjoying the new scene before we had back for our own Camp at 11. With our stuff up high, we're ready to move up at the next opportunity! RMI Guides Pete, Jess, Taylor, and team

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Hey Rich

Wow! Amazing photos! Wishing you all great weather and good times! Kids send their love!

Posted by: Susie and the Kids on 5/31/2018 at 5:18 pm

The pictures look amazing, thanks for posting them! Congrats on your successes so far and best of luck to the top!! #teamdietz

Posted by: Susan Dietz on 5/31/2018 at 12:59 pm

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Entries from Mt. McKinley

Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Cache Gear at 10,200’

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Make Move to 14,000’ Camp

On The Map

Denali Expedition: Hailes & Team Make a Carry to 13,500’

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Base Camp to 7,800’ Camp

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Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Sit Tight at 14,000’ Camp

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Take Full Rest Day at 11,000’ Camp

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Denali Expedition: Hailes & Team Move to 11,000 ft Camp

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Denali Expedition: Jones & Team Land on the Kahiltna Glacier

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Denali Expedition: Walter & Team Enjoy a Rest Day at 14K Camp

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Denali Expedition: Van Deventer & Team Cache Gear at 14,000’ Camp

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